The Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament is set to begin on September 8, marking the end of the long summer vacation. Held at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, this highly anticipated event is expected to be a thrilling 15-day spectacle, with tickets selling out daily.
However, there is a sense of mixed emotions surrounding one popular wrestler who will not be participating in the tournament. Former ozeki Asanoyama has encountered a series of unfortunate events that have prevented him from taking his place in the ring.
During the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in July, Asanoyama was performing exceptionally well until tragedy struck on the fourth day. In a match against Ichiyamamoto, he suffered a severe left knee injury and was immediately taken to the hospital for further examination.
The diagnosis revealed that Asanoyama had torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), requiring him to withdraw from the remainder of the tournament and undergo reconstructive surgery at the end of July. The recovery period for such an injury can range from six months to a year before he can make his return to sumo.
This setback comes after Asanoyama’s previous suspension due to violating COVID-19 guidelines set by the Japan Sumo Association. The suspension caused him to drop down to the sandanme division but he quickly worked his way back up through impressive performances.
Asanoyama had been making significant progress towards regaining his ozeki rank when this latest injury occurred in Nagoya. It can only be described as unfortunate timing for him.
For now, Asanoyama will officially be listed in the juryo division for the autumn tournament. However, depending on how long his rehabilitation takes, there is a possibility that he may drop back down to sandanme if he remains absent from competition for an extended period.
While there was little sympathy for Asanoyama during his previous suspension due to his own lack of self-control regarding COVID-19 protocols, many fans are now expressing their support and empathy towards him as he faces this physical setback.
Stablemaster Takasago (former sekiwake Asa-sekiryu) expressed hopes for Asanoyama’s complete recovery and comeback. At 30 years old, it will require extraordinary mental strength for him to reach new heights once again in sumo competition.
As we look ahead to the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament with anticipation and excitement, we also hope that Asanoyama finds resilience amidst this challenging ordeal and emerges stronger than ever before.
